Chapter 25: The Secret Vault
Lily’s scalp burned as Zephyr yanked her through the trees by her hair, dragging her like a sack of grain. Her legs scrambled to keep up, stumbling over roots and stones, but he didn’t slow down.
“Keep moving,” he growled. “You think you’re smart, don’t you?”
She whimpered silently, trying not to fall again. Her shoulder throbbed. Her cheek was bleeding from when he’d backhanded her for trying to run. She could still feel the weight of his threat—his promise to blind her if she spoke.
Up ahead, light flickered through the trees.
Zayn stood near the steps of the main hall, arms crossed, talking quietly with Victoria. She was draped in sheer gold, her lips curled in an irritated pout.
As Zephyr stomped into view, dragging Lily behind him, both of them turned.
Zayn’s expression darkened immediately. “What the hell is this?”
“She was spying,” Zephyr said in a tight voice. “Caught her sneaking around the east side of the woods.”
Victoria rolled her eyes. “She’s always skulking around. Must you ruin every quiet moment, Zephyr?”
“I wouldn’t have brought her to your attention if she hadn’t found something,” he snapped, yanking Lily forward and forcing her to her knees.
Zayn’s eyes narrowed. “Found what?”
Zephyr wiped the sweat from his brow, his chest still heaving. “There’s a trap door. Hidden under the forest floor. Covered in leaves, sealed tight. She triggered it. I saw it light up when she touched it.”